There are many programs out there that can aid one on their journey towards long-term sobriety. Of course, the best sober living programs are those of which target a specific addiction -- much like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a meeting program that's highly respected and favored within the recovery community, as well as in every city across America.The following list is a collection of tidbits from some of the best sober living programs around -- the best from everything in a form that’s short and sweet. Some you’ve probably heard and others might be new, bringing inspiration, and motivated action.
- Stop making excuses.
- Stop blaming others.
- Do something for the community.
- Don’t get complacent.
- Discover what you’re passionate about.
- Pursue what you’re good at.
- Take pride in taking responsibility for your health.
- Don’t live in fear. There are some parts to your life you can control.
- Find your humility and recognize your powerlessness.
- Seek an in-patient program and take good care of yourself.
- Practice abstinence, one day at a time.
- Don’t overestimate your control over your addiction.
- Exercise on a regular basis and take care of your physical body.
- Find and develop healthy relationships.
- Make friends with those who lift you.
- Reconnect with those that distanced themselves during the addiction.
- Reach out to others in recovery.
- Lend a helping hand to those just starting the recovery process.
- Remember that just because you’re excited about sobriety, you still need to take action.
- Be responsible for your own choices and behavior, especially regarding relapse.
- Do what works for you, not what others suggest might work well.
- Don’t lie to yourself.
- Forgive others.
- Forgive yourself.
- Move beyond feeling bad about yourself. It’s time to take action and heal.
- Become more and more self-aware. Learn about addiction and recovery.
- Stay busy. Keep your mind off the challenges.
- Take on an artistic hobby, as a way to express yourself.
- Build a network of support.
- Learn to live without alcohol.
- Learn to have fun and go out with friends without alcohol.
- Take long walks.
- Spend time in Nature.
- Talk to your parents and siblings.
- Take on a social hobby to meet new people – a cooking class, for example.
- Pick up old hobbies that you left aside.
- Count your blessings and be grateful.
- Go back to school to pursue your intellectual interests.
- Improve your skills so that you are more attractive in the job market.
- Stimulate your mind through reading.
- Make a list of the things you want to achieve.
- Avoid old dysfunctional friendships.
- Avoid old hangouts where you might get pulled into a drink.
- Spend more time with your family.
- Travel somewhere you’ve never been – expand your horizons.
- Get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
- Quit smoking.
- Don’t get complacent. Keep challenging yourself!
- Reconnect with your religious and spiritual roots.
- Create the life you want! Start envisioning your future.
Despite this list, there’s still a chance you might relapse. Everyone is vulnerable to his or her weaknesses. Even with a relapse, you can turn it around and return to the best sober living program that suits you and your recovery needs/wants. You can continue to turn your life around. Even if you’re making three steps forward and one step back, at least you’re moving forward. Successful long-term sobriety is possible no matter what your circumstances are now!
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